Found a Bat? Now What?? | United States

FOUND A BAT? NOW WHAT?!?

Bats are amazing animals. Of course, coming across them in your home, business, yard, etc. can be a bit surprising.

So, we wanted to pass along a few pointers if you find one.

NO TOUCH!!!

Just like any wild animal, never touch a bat.

- If there is a bat in your home, close it in one room and open a window and remove screen. It will eventually be able to find its way out.

- If you feel that you REALLY need to contain the bat (which you shouldn’t to be on the safe side), use thick gardening/welding gloves, place a box over the bat, and slide a thin piece of sturdy material underneath. Secure box closed, while ensuring proper air flow, and release bat outdoors.

LUBEE IS NOT A LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITAION CENTER.

Though there are many wonderfully dedicated folks in FL that are! The map below shows the FL Counties with skilled and licensed facilities/individuals that can assist with bat rescue care.

Thank you for caring about the bat you found. Here's some things to know...

1. If you find a bat in the fall season, it’s not a baby, the bat is a full grown adult. Pups in the U.S. are typically born in the spring and are on their own after a few months. U.S. bats are small compared to the giants at Lubee, and most species have a body length less than 2-3” and wingspan <12”.

2. Bats get cold too. If the temperatures have been consistently below 55 and you find a bat, there’s a good chance the bat went into torpor, or is simply a bit cold. When temperatures warm up, the bat will too.

3. If the bat is in distress, on the ground, injured, sick, or bleeding, contact the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center near you (see map and lists above) and get instructions from how to proceed further.

4. REMEMBER... DO NOT TOUCH THE BAT. Individuals wanting to help, often get bit by wildlife. If you have been bitten by a bat or any wildlife, you NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. For this reason alone, please contact a local wildlife specialist trained in handling and rehabilitation.